Everything you need to know about Visas

Applying for a Visa

How Do I Apply for a Visa?

Using your preferred search engine, find the official government immigration website of the country you intend to visit. Once you've found and read all the information, including the visa application requirements, fill out the required travel visa application form. You may be able to send in the form electronically or you may be required to send it by mail. If your destination requires visa on arrival, then you don't need to worry about applying for a travel visa beforehand. In this case, once you get to your destination you may be required to fill out a visa form and pay any applicable fees. Double check the requirements with the relevant website or consulate as you may need to bring a passport-sized photo as well.

What Are the Requirements for a Visa?

Each country has its own visa application requirements. Make sure to check with your destination country's appropriate government website to find out. Requirements typically include filling out the visa application form, providing your passport for stamping if required, a photograph, and additional documents such as your flight itinerary, hotel booking or letter of invitation.

Many countries also have inadmissibility guidelines when it comes to issuing visas. Potential visitors may be deemed inadmissible if, for example, they have a criminal history, are a security risk, have a serious health problem, have serious financial problems and more.

If you do not meet the visa requirements for the country you intend to visit it is highly likely that your visa application will be denied and you will not be allowed entry into the country.

What Are the Supporting Documents Required for Visitor Visas?

When filing your visa application with the embassy of the country you intend to visit, you will be asked to include supporting documents with the main visa application. The following is a list of commonly requested supporting documents:

• Letter of invitation.
• A photocopy of the information page of your passport.
• One or two photographs of a specific size determined by the visa office.
• Proof of financial support during the trip.
• Travel insurance.
• Airplane tickets.
• Proof of purpose of travel.
• Visa application fees.

What Is an Invitation Letter for a Visa?

Some countries, such as Canada and the United States, may require the visitor to include a letter of invitation with their travel visa application. A letter of invitation is a formal letter from the person you intend to visit stating that they are inviting you to visit them in that country. Invitation letters help travel authorities vet potential visitors by making sure that a temporary visit is indeed the true nature of the visa request. Check with your intended destination's government website for details on what needs to be included in a such a letter.

What to Expect During a Visa Interview?

Once you have filed your visa application, you may be requested to submit to a visa interview by the country you intend to visit. Most visa applications are approved or denied without the need for an interview, but the visa officer may request one. The following are common questions you may be asked during a visa interview:

• Why do you want to travel to X country?
• Why do you want to visit at this specific time?
• Do you have a criminal record?
• Are you travelling with someone else?
• Who will you be visiting?
• How long will you stay?
• Where will you stay?
• Have you booked airline tickets?
• Do you have health insurance for this trip?
• If you are currently employed, do you have proper leave from your workplace for the duration of the trip?
• Will you return to your home country after your visit?

What Are the Fees for Obtaining a Visa?

Each country has different fees for obtaining a visa. Check with your intended destination's government immigration website to find out the costs. For example, visa application fees for visas to the U.S. start at US$160.

What Are Visa Processing Times?

Every country processes visa applications at a different rate. Make sure to check the government website of the country you intend to visit to find out how fast they process visa applications. For example, visa applications from Russia to visit Canada take approximately 8 days to process, while Canadians looking to travel to India are advised to submit visa applications at least 15 days in advance.

What Visa Services Does an Embassy Offer?

Embassies typically offer visa application services, assistance and up-to-date information regarding visa and travel requirements. It's always a good idea to check the embassy of your destination country to learn about travelling there